Combination salt and pepper shaker



Nov. 19, 1946. LA MAR s. WILLIAMS 2,411,489

COMBINATION SALT AND PEPPER SHAKER Filed Sept. 28, 1944 Inventor .ZnHma 1J MUM/1.;

By ,2 i !g Mia W 19m Patented Nov. 19, 1946 UNITED STATES PATENT O 2,411,489 COMBINATION- SALT AND PEPPER SHAKER La Mar s. Williams, Provo, Utah Application September 28, 1944, Serial No. 556,167

1 Claim. (01. 65-45) I l a This invention relates to condiment holders and hasmorespecific reference to so-called combination salt and pepper shakers, that is, the type in which a single container is partitioned into individual non-communicating compartments with selectively usable valving means, whereby it is possible to conveniently dispense either salt or pepper, as the case may be.

As implied in the preceding opening and general statement of the invention, I am suificiently conversant with the state of the art to which the invention pertains to realize that many and varied types of dual salt and pepper shakers have been evolved and produced. Therefore, it is my primary aim to offer a further contribution to the art, this in the form of what is believed to be a novel and improved structure characterized essentially by simple and expedient means for regulating individual discharges of salt or pepper according to needs and requirements.

More specifically, the novelty is predicated on a series of three superimposed plates forming the discharge end of the dual container, two being stationary and the intervening plate slidable, the latter constituting the control valve and being provided with a spring returned, conveniently operable press-button.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following description and the accompanying illustrative drawing.

In the drawing, wherein like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the views Figure 1 is an elevational View with a portion broken away and shown in section, this to bring out the construction and relative coaction of the details.

Figure 2 is a central vertical sectional view through the structure seen in Figure 1 observing the same in a direction opposite to that seen in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a central vertical sectional view at right angles to Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 is a top plan view.

Figure 5 is a cross section on the plane of the line 55 of Figure 2, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Referring now to the drawing by distinguishing reference numerals, it will be seen that the structure is composed of several parts. The main part is in the form of a suitably proportioned and shaped dual container 6, this of any appropriate or desired material. It is of general rectangular form in cross-sectional shapeand tapers upward- 2 ly. Interiorly, it is divided by a partition '1 into non-communicating compartments or chambers 8 and 9 for individual charges of salt and pepper. The bottom, as shown in Figure 2, is denoted at I0 and is slightly elevated to define a depending skirt II, said bottom having filler holes I2 and I3 aligned with the respective chambers 8 and 9 and adapted to accommodate closing corks or plugs (not shown). The fiat top I4 is spaced in parallelism above a relatively fixed false top I5, and the two parts I4 and [5 form a guide for the intervening slidable valve plate I6. Thus, as before stated, the top is actually made up of three plates; namely, the two stationary plates I4 and I5, and the intervening valve plate IS. The two plates I4 and I5 are provided with registering orifices or discharge holes H. The valve plate is provided with individual control holes I8. It follows that the holes I! in the two plates I4 and I5 are in constant alignment and are in appropriate pairs on opposite sides of the partition 1. The central portion of the slide plate I6 is slotted and a screw I9 passes through the several parts and through the slot and permits the plate I6 to be projected to the dotted line position seen at the left in Fig. 3. The opposite edge of the plate I 6 is provided with a block-like pushbutton 20. This operates in a receptacle-like rectangular guide pocket 2I formed integral with the upper edge portion of the partition 1 and the adjacent portions of the plate I5. This pocket serves not only as a receiver for the push-button, but also as a pocket for an expansion-type coiled spring 22 which serves to return push-button 20 to a fixed position.

The apertures or holes I1 and I8 are so arranged that when the button 20 is projected as seen in Figure 2, the holes over one of the compartments, let us say the salt compartment 8, are in constant alignment. In other words, this particular compartment, is open at all times. Consequently, when salt is wanted the shaker is used as is customarily done without adjusting the push-button. When, however, it is desired to discharge pepper, the push-button is shoved in against the tension of the spring and this disaligns and closes the apertures registering with the salt compartment and opens the apertures (previously closed) then in alignment with the pepper compartment 9.

As previously implied, the novelty is herein predicated upon the three plates forming the upper or top structure of the partitioned container, two being stationary and spaced apart and forming a guideway, and the other constituting a slide valve, this operating between the first two plates. The combination proposed can be changed so as to normally open the salt compartment and simultaneously close the pepper compartment, or vice versa. In any event, one compartment is open and the other is closed at all times to provide the desired alternate slide valve control results.

It is thought that persons skilled in the art to which the invention relates will be able to obtain a clear understanding of the invention after; considering the description in connection with the drawing. Therefore, a more lengthy description is regarded as unnecessary.

Minor changes in the shape'g size:sand"arrange ment of details coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to in actual-=practicey if desired.

I claim:

A combination salt and pepper shaker'of'th'eclass described comprising a one piece container provideduatiitsiitopewith": anfiat apertured outer.

plate;.. and inwardly ofz'sa'idii outer plate withan adjacent wallof the container'and the upper side Ofsaid p'o'c'k'etopening through said inner plate,

and a third plate slidable between said firstnamed plates, said third plate forming a valve and being apertured; said third plate being provided ,on one end with a block-like push button s'aid push button being slidable in said pocket, and-acoiled spring; arranged in said pocket and engaging said push button in order to maintain th'eva-lve in a pre-determined position and the push button normally projected to a position for convenient operationi- MAR S} 

